HISD Announces Major Leadership Changes Across Schools

School leaders collaborate to discuss the future of education in Houston schools.

News Summary

The Houston Independent School District (HISD) has revealed significant changes in school leadership, including the appointment of new principals at Madison High School, Red Elementary, and Mark White Elementary. These changes follow a state takeover and result in at least 21 principal exits, aiming to enhance governance and improve educational outcomes. The district emphasizes a commitment to leadership stability amid these adjustments, with ongoing efforts to cultivate future leaders and strengthen school performance.

Houston, TX – Houston Independent School District (HISD) has announced significant leadership changes across various schools, including Madison High School, Jones Futures Academy, and Red Elementary School. This is part of a broader shake-up that has resulted in at least 21 principal departures within the district, reflecting ongoing adjustments in school management following a state takeover.

Janet Orozco, with ten years of experience at HISD, has been appointed the new principal of Madison High School, replacing Edgar Contreras. Contreras became the third principal of Madison since the state takeover of the district in June 2023, but his future role within the district remains unclear. Orozco previously held leadership positions including principal at Ripley House Charter, dean of instruction at East Early College High School, and assistant principal at Austin High School.

LaFoscia Maxie has been promoted at Red Elementary School, with a new principal, LaDale Lofton, stepping in from his former position as assistant principal at Shearn Elementary School. Meanwhile, Mark White Elementary School has welcomed Courtney Riley-Edwards as its new principal. Riley-Edwards previously served as assistant principal at Revere Middle School and was part of a “principal apprentice” program aimed at developing future leaders within the district.

The changes at Mark White Elementary are notable, particularly because of the school’s unique French dual language program. The previous principal, Eric Whitten, will transition to a new leadership role within HISD, continuing his commitment to support the district’s overall success.

Of the 21 principal exits confirmed, five were related to performance issues, 11 resulted from reassignment or promotion, and five were for personal reasons. HISD has not released a complete list of affected schools, although other campuses experiencing leadership changes include Fleming Middle School, Wheatley High School, Burbank Middle School, and Field Elementary School.

The district highlighted that the mid-year turnover of principals has decreased compared to previous years. HISD requested a ruling from the Texas Attorney General in response to a public information request for further details on the departing principals.

Since the state takeover of HISD, there have been a total of 177 principal changes across 156 campuses. This turnover includes many leaders classified as “principal apprentices,” a strategy initiated by HISD’s state-appointed Superintendent, Mike Miles, to cultivate leadership within the district.

The announced changes are part of an ongoing effort by HISD to enhance school performance and leadership stability amid oversight from state authorities. The adjustments not only reflect the district’s strategy to improve educational outcomes but also signal a commitment to providing effective governance in the wake of recent challenges.